If some advertisements, signs, catalogs, order forms, checks, or other printed items don't say "LLC," then a creditor who loses money to the company may go after the owner(s) personally, claiming that they intentionally misled the creditor about the nature of the company. If business goes badly, the LLC might default on its debts, and the supplier would have been "tricked" into giving too much credit because he didn't know that the owner wouldn't back it up.įrom the company's side, also, it's important to make sure customers and business partners know that the company is an LLC. Otherwise, for example, a supplier who knows that the business owner is personally wealthy might extend a large amount of credit, assuming that the owner is good for it. Thus, your business registration may not stop another entrepreneur from doing business under a name thats similar or even the same as yours. The reason for this is to warn customers and other business partners that the company is operating as a limited-liability entity. You can probably have a logo for your company (for example, a graphical design or picture) that doesn't include "LLC," but it is important to have the true, registered name of the company, including LLC, printed somewhere on all your advertising (and other written materials). The law appears to be similar in Missouri. In the jurisdictions where I'm admitted (not Missouri), you're required to use LLC (or other specific equivalents) in your business name. Also, since I am not a Missouri attorney, you would have to consult a local attorney to see if there are any state specific laws or case law that impacts your quesiton.ĭisclaimer: This answer is for informational purposes only and does not constitute general or specific legal advice, nor create an attorney client relationship. So in other words, many companies have logos/trademarks that do not include the company designation, but usually the full company name appears somewhere on the document. Examples of words that are commonly restricted include insurance and bank. Avoid using restricted words Every state has its own list of words that cannot be included in an LLC name. In that case, I advise my clients to include the company designation. Identify your business as an LLC You must include an LLC designation in the name of your LLC, such as Limited Liability Company, Limited, or LLC. Often there are other forms of brand collateral (not legal instruments like contracts, invoices, etc.) that only allow for one identifier (e.g., some business cards). designation, because the full corporate name is below. ![]() Using the previous example of AVVO's website, that is why the top left brand logo excludes the inc. etc.) where there is no other indicator of the company. To piggyback on the previous post, I often advise my clients to include their company designation (LLC, Inc. For example: "Missouri, LLC by Mark Twain, Member." Using it everywhere is the ideal situation from a lawyer's perspective, but not a requirement that should keep you awake at night. No matter what, you want to be sure to include your LLC designation and your title with the company is when you sign a contract on behalf of the company. That being said, all contracts, terms and conditions, notices of ownership, invoices, etc. You could probably bring in close to a billion different logos as examples that the litigant's inference was not well-founded. Simply because your company logo or trademark does not include your "LLC" designation most likely will not be enough for a potential litigant to assert you were misleading them. The issue is whether your customer or vendor will be confused and think you are a partnership or sole proprietorship, as the previous comment suggests. Look at the top of this website, and you will see that Avvo places their trademark without the "Inc." Now look at the footer, you see the "Inc." At the top, they are marketing their services but at the bottom they are stating who owns the copyright. We have designed thousands of logos from scratch and reproduced thousands. ![]() If you are marketing your services, nothing requires your trademark to include your entire company name. We take some basic information about you and your company to find out what you. Logos depict the 'trade name' of the company, and there is no. Take a look at some logos from big national brands - none of them include Inc - this is because a logo is simply an image that represents the company, it is not the legal name. How To Start an LLC in New York: 12 Easy Steps This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. ![]() ![]() There is a difference between a trademark and your company name. The answer is a resounding 'No.' Nothing makes you look more rinky-dink than making a mistake like that. While also not a Missouri attorney, I think that you probably have a little more wiggle room than the previous comment suggests.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |